HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Wayne McClain, a 1972 graduate of Manual High School and 1977 Bradley University alumnus, is one of the most celebrated basketball coaches in Illinois high school history. After 18 seasons as an assistant to Hall of Famer Dick Van Scyoc—including the 1994 state title—McClain took over as head coach and led Manual to three consecutive IHSA Class AA state championships in 1995, 1996, and 1997. In 1997, he was named USA Today National Coach of the Year after guiding the Rams to a No. 1 national ranking. Under McClain, Manual’s basketball program became a national powerhouse. From 1995–1999, his teams won five straight Mid-State Conference titles and made five consecutive Sweet 16 appearances. His leadership helped shape a generation of players, including future NBA talent, while maintaining Manual’s tradition of discipline, defense, and excellence. McClain joined the University of Illinois coaching staff in 2001, contributing to nine NCAA Tournament appearances and a run to the national championship game in 2005. He later returned to high school coaching at Champaign Central, where he led a major turnaround in his lone season before his untimely passing in 2014. Coach McClain’s legacy is one of excellence, mentorship, and community pride. He exemplified what it means to lead with integrity, humility, and vision. His influence continues to be felt throughout Peoria, the state of Illinois, and beyond. Today, we honor Coach McClain as the architect of a basketball dynasty—and a true Manual Ram forever.

Sergio McClain is one of Illinois' most accomplished high school basketball players. A four-year starter, he helped lead Peoria Manual High School to an unprecedented four consecutive IHSA state championships from 1994–1997, earning a No. 1 national ranking by USA Today his senior year. Sergio started all 32 postseason games during the historic run—a state record—and was named 1997 Illinois Mr. Basketball and a McDonald’s All-American. A three-time All-State honoree, McClain went on to star at the University of Illinois, playing in 128 games and helping the Illini win two Big Ten titles and reach the 2001 NCAA Elite Eight. Known for his leadership, defense, and versatility, McClain later transitioned into coaching, including stints at Parkland College, Champaign Central High School, and professionally with the Champaign Swarm. Sergio McClain’s legacy as a player and leader continues to inspire athletes across Illinois and beyond.

A dominant force in the paint, Marcus Griffin played a key role in Peoria Manual High School’s historic four consecutive IHSA state basketball championships from 1994–1997. Known for his athleticism, energy, and toughness, Griffin was a two-time All-State selection and earned national recognition, including honorable mention All-American by USA Today and MVP honors at the Adidas Big Time Tournament. After high school, Griffin starred at Lincoln College, where he was named NJCAA National Division II Player of the Year, averaging 20.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. He continued his success at the University of Illinois, earning All-Big Ten honors and helping lead the Illini to the Elite Eight in 2001. As the team’s second-leading scorer, he averaged 11.3 points per game his senior season. Marcus Griffin’s legacy as a competitor and champion continues to inspire the next generation of Manual Rams.

A dynamic point guard, Frankie Williams was a driving force behind Peoria Manual’s basketball dynasty, helping lead the Rams to the final two titles of their historic four-peat in 1996 and 1997. A McDonald’s All-American and Illinois Mr. Basketball in 1998, Williams averaged 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists as a senior. He was twice named to the IHSA All-Tournament Team. At the University of Illinois, Williams was a two-time team MVP, 2001 Big Ten Player of the Year, and finished his career with 1,440 points and 497 assists. He led the Illini to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including the Elite Eight in 2001 alongside fellow Manual alumni Marcus Griffin and Sergio McClain. Selected in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft, Williams played with the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. In 2007, he was honored as one of the "100 Legends of IHSA Basketball."

A true Peoria basketball icon, Howard Nathan dazzled fans with his flashy style, defensive grit, and rainbow jumper. He led Manual High School to three IHSA state tournament appearances (1988, 1990, 1991), finishing as state runner-up his senior year. In the 1991 title game, Nathan poured in 19 points—11 in the final five minutes—while setting a record with 13 three-point attempts. That year, he was crowned Illinois Mr. Basketball, becoming the shortest player (5'10") ever to win the award at the time, and earned McDonald’s All-American honors. Nathan continued his career at DePaul and Louisiana-Monroe before making history as the first Peorian to play in the NBA, suiting up for the Atlanta Hawks in the 1995–96 season. Even after an accident left him paralyzed in 2006, Nathan remained a powerful presence in the community, a living legend whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Peoria athletes.

For 31 seasons, Coach Dennis Winkler built Manual High School into a powerhouse in Illinois high school track and field. After graduating from Millikin University and serving two years as a Manual assistant, Winkler became head coach and led the Rams from 1969 until his retirement in 2000. During his legendary tenure, Winkler’s teams amassed a remarkable 505–23 dual meet record, a testament to his discipline, vision, and leadership. Under his guidance, the Rams captured 18 conference championships, 16 Class AA sectional titles, and an incredible 132 major meet victories. His athletes earned 180 conference titles, 102 sectional crowns, and 358 state finals qualifications, producing 62 state medals and setting seven Peoria-area records. Manual’s track program reached new heights under Winkler, including winning the 1998 Indoor State Championship and finishing third in the Class AA Outdoor State Meet that same year. Every Manual High School track record was set during Coach Winkler’s era. His passion for excellence extended beyond competition, culminating in one of his proudest accomplishments—the installation of an eight-lane all-weather track on campus, ensuring future generations would have the facilities to continue the tradition he built. Coach Winkler’s legacy is one of unmatched success, mentorship, and commitment to Manual student-athletes, earning him a well-deserved place in the Manual High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

For over four decades, Larry Hendricks served as a transformative force at Manual High School, shaping lives through education, athletics, and the arts. A dedicated art teacher and department head, Mr. Hendricks inspired generations of students to find their voice creatively, founding the Manual Afro Club and advising the art club to uplift cultural pride and self-expression. On the field and court, he coached both boys’ and girls’ track and field, girls’ basketball, and served as the school’s first boys’ soccer coach. His coaching achievements include developing all-conference and All-American athletes and leading the school’s 1988 track relay team to a still-unbroken record. He was named Coach of the Year for Girls’ Basketball and respected as a mentor who instilled discipline, confidence, and character in his athletes. Beyond school walls, Mr. Hendricks was affectionately known as the “Godfather of Peoria Talent” for his dedication to the city’s youth through talent shows and community engagement. In 2024, an honorary street—Larry Hendricks Jr. Ave—was unveiled at Griswold and Lincoln, behind the very classroom where he mentored thousands. His lasting legacy continues through his photography, as a resident artist at the Contemporary Arts Center. More than a teacher or coach, Larry Hendricks is remembered as a father figure, a builder of futures, and a cornerstone of the Manual High School community.

Jimmy Lacy, a proud Manual High School alum, is regarded as one of the most decorated sprinters in Peoria history. A three-time conference and sectional champion in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and 4x200m relays, he capped his high school career with a standout performance at the IHSA state championships—finishing 2nd in the 4x200m, 3rd in the 200m, and 5th in the 100m. He still holds Manual’s school records in the 200m, 4x100m, and 4x200m. Jimmy earned All-American honors at Parkland College before receiving a scholarship to the University of Illinois, where he continued his success on the track and earned his degree. Today, Jimmy’s legacy lives on through his family. Both of his sons compete in Division I track at Eastern Illinois University, with his youngest winning IHSA 3A state titles in the 100m, 200m, and 400m—an elite accomplishment. Jimmy Lacy remains a symbol of excellence, pride, and lasting impact.

A 1998 Manual High School graduate, Jarrod Macklin was a two-sport letterman in football and track. He left his mark on Manual’s record books, holding school records in the 300m hurdles (37.7), and ranking #2 all-time in the 110m hurdles (13.8), as well as all three sprint relays (4x100, 4x200, 4x400). He led the Rams to a 1998 indoor state title and a third-place finish at the outdoor state meet—with just six athletes. Macklin earned a full scholarship to Eastern Illinois University, where he still holds the 400m record (46.2). A six-time Ohio Valley Conference champion and two-time OVC Athlete of the Year, he posted elite collegiate times in the 200m (20.6), 400m (46.2), and 400m hurdles (50.5). Now based in Tampa, Florida, Macklin founded Westchase Cheetahs Track Club and has coached 13 youth national champions—passing on his excellence and building the next generation of champions.

Christopher K. Johnson was one of the most versatile and dominant track athletes in Manual High School history. A football and track standout, Johnson led the Rams to conference and sectional championships in multiple relay and sprint events. In 1983, he set the Peoria-area record in the 400-meter dash (47.7), which stood for 29 years and remains Manual’s school record. He was a state finalist in the 400, finishing 6th despite battling illness. Johnson was also part of the record-setting two-mile relay team and earned numerous individual titles in the 200m and 400m events. A leader on and off the track, Johnson was captain of the track and football teams, earning All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State honors in football. He earned a full athletic scholarship to Eastern Illinois University and later founded the Gentlemen of Distinction mentoring program. Today, he continues to serve the Peoria community with distinction.

Clorissa Yates-Nickels was one of Manual High School’s most accomplished female sprinters. Earning varsity letters all four years, she consistently dominated the 100- and 200-meter dash. She was a four-time state qualifier and finalist in the 100 meters and held the school record in that event for decades. A multiple-time All-Conference and All-State honoree, Clorissa also appeared on the IHSA Honor Roll throughout her high school career, earning numerous medals in both individual and relay events. Clorissa continued her track career at Arkansas State University, where she became a key member of the school’s record-holding 4x100 relay team. Off the track, she excelled academically, later earning a master’s degree in nursing. Today, she serves as an operations manager in healthcare and remains a proud mother of two, including a daughter who followed in her footsteps in track and nursing.

Latoya Howard was one of Manual High School’s most accomplished female sprinters, excelling in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, and 4x200m relays. During her standout career from 1999 to 2003, she was a four-time state qualifier and set the conference and school record in the 200-meter dash with a time of 24.7 seconds. Latoya made history as a four-time team MVP, a record unmatched in the program’s history. Her passion and determination extended beyond high school, where she continued competing at Danville Community College. Today, Latoya serves as a dedicated school paraprofessional and is a proud mother of two. She continues to inspire others through her commitment to family, education, and the values she learned through athletics. Her journey from the track to the classroom is a testament to perseverance, excellence, and leadership.

Donald Willingham was a dominant three-sport athlete at Manual High School, excelling in football, wrestling, and track & field. Known for his strength, speed, and versatility, Don graduated holding school records in the 100-yard dash, shot put, and pole vault — a rare combination of athletic range. On the football field, his standout performances earned him national recruitment attention, including an offer from top-ranked University of Nebraska. He was later drafted into the NFL by the Oakland Raiders and went on to become the leading rusher for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League. In wrestling, Don was an undefeated conference champion, showcasing his all-around athletic dominance. His legacy remains one of Manual’s most versatile and accomplished athletes.

Earl Gant was a dynamic halfback for Manual High School, earning all-state honors and MVP of the 1975 Illinois East-West All-Star Game. His standout high school career led him to the University of Missouri, where he rushed for 1,837 yards and 10 touchdowns over three seasons. Gant’s collegiate highlights include a 197-yard game against Oklahoma and a four-touchdown performance versus Kansas. In 1979, he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Gant played professionally with both the Chiefs and the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL, finishing his career with over 1,200 rushing yards and nine total touchdowns. A 2003 inductee into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame, Gant remains one of Manual’s most accomplished football alumni, remembered for his speed, power, and determination on the field.

Gene Petty stands among the most versatile and gifted athletes in Manual High School history. A three-sport standout in the late 1950s, he earned All-State honors in both football and baseball and was selected to the All-City basketball team. As a dynamic halfback, he led Coach Ken Hinrichs’ Rams to impressive 8-1-1 and 7-1-2 seasons in 1956 and 1957, earning All-City honors both years. Though recruited by top Big Ten and Big Eight football programs, Petty chose to pursue professional baseball, signing a bonus contract with the Chicago Cubs in 1958. He played in their farm system through 1961, including stints in St. Cloud of the Northern League, while also attending college during the off-seasons. In 1963, he briefly signed with the Buffalo Bills as a placekicker, but did not appear in an NFL game. Back in Peoria, Gene shifted his athletic focus to golf, playing 15 years in the championship flight of the city tournament and qualifying for five Peoria Publinks teams. Petty later served as golf professional at Madison Golf Course for the Peoria Park District. Now retired, he celebrates over 62 years of marriage with his wife Jackie, and is a proud father and grandfather.

Al Smith was one of the most celebrated multi-sport athletes in Peoria history. At Manual High School, he earned All-State honors in football, basketball, and baseball. As a standout halfback, he led the Rams in football, and in baseball, he pitched Manual to the 1965 state championship, throwing a legendary 12-inning shutout and securing the title in relief the next day. Smith chose Bradley University for basketball, where he became a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection and scored 1,408 career points — still among the top 20 in school history. He took a two-year break from college to serve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he continued to excel in athletics. Professionally, Smith played five seasons in the ABA with the Denver Rockets and Utah Stars, leading the league in assists in 1974 and earning team MVP honors. He was later inducted into both the Bradley Athletics Hall of Fame and the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame, and was named to Bradley's All-Century Team in 2004. After basketball, Smith dedicated his life to youth as a social worker and coach, including contributing to two Manual state championship teams as an assistant. His legacy as a competitor, veteran, and mentor remains strong in Peoria.